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To begin with, there is currently a misguided consensus that Jugo is not using Sage mode, and that the Curse mark is not Sage mode, either.
To better understand what the Cursed seal is, we're going to have to start doing some proper thinking.
First, we'll start with the most popular version of Sage mode: the toad Sage mode used by Naruto. Currently, people consider this to be an example of a "true" Sage mode, and they would be right.
However, toad Sage mode has an intermediate stage, where it's not quite perfect.
Originally, Naruto needed to use frog oil to gather Sage chakra, and the coloring around his eyes was different.
He's still in Sage mode, but it's not perfect yet. That's the difference. It's assisted by the toad oil.
Now, compare this to the Curse mark. Where did the mark come from?
A person's genetic ability to absorb natural energy. Now, where does frog oil come from?
An animal's genetic ability to absorb natural energy. The frogs, if you haven't noticed, don't have a "Sage mode" like the humans. They can simply use natural energy, without an appearance to distinguish them. The purpose of the Curse mark in other words, is to serve a similar purpose as the frog oil. It is to be an intermediate stage, not a perfect Sage mode.
It was originally assumed [By Sasuke] that Orochimaru had turned himself into a snake because of his body transfer jutsu.
The reality was, Orochimaru made those changes because he was trying to master Sage mode, because his original body was incapable of handling natural energy. Snakes on the other hand, can absorb the energy fairly quickly.
Part of what made me suspect this, was also the fact that his snake powers improved Sasuke's recovery time, which was also a trait of Sage mode, and just prior to that, Sasuke was battling Deidara.
Logically then, the next step is the perfected Sage mode, such as the one Naruto used, without having to be assisted by something such as frog oil.
In contrast, the next step for the Curse mark is the original Sage transformation used by Jugo. Unlike the Curse mark, Jugo has many different transformations and powers that go with them.
I believe the Curse mark was meant to serve as Sasuke's "frog oil"; something to be replaced by the real thing [Sage transformation]. The transformation itself and the loss of control that comes with it however, also appears to mirror the caveats of toad Sage mode, so I do have my doubts that Sasuke will use an actual transformation.
To better understand what the Cursed seal is, we're going to have to start doing some proper thinking.
First, we'll start with the most popular version of Sage mode: the toad Sage mode used by Naruto. Currently, people consider this to be an example of a "true" Sage mode, and they would be right.
However, toad Sage mode has an intermediate stage, where it's not quite perfect.
Originally, Naruto needed to use frog oil to gather Sage chakra, and the coloring around his eyes was different.
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He's still in Sage mode, but it's not perfect yet. That's the difference. It's assisted by the toad oil.
Now, compare this to the Curse mark. Where did the mark come from?
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You must be registered for see images
A person's genetic ability to absorb natural energy. Now, where does frog oil come from?
You must be registered for see images
An animal's genetic ability to absorb natural energy. The frogs, if you haven't noticed, don't have a "Sage mode" like the humans. They can simply use natural energy, without an appearance to distinguish them. The purpose of the Curse mark in other words, is to serve a similar purpose as the frog oil. It is to be an intermediate stage, not a perfect Sage mode.
It was originally assumed [By Sasuke] that Orochimaru had turned himself into a snake because of his body transfer jutsu.
You must be registered for see images
The reality was, Orochimaru made those changes because he was trying to master Sage mode, because his original body was incapable of handling natural energy. Snakes on the other hand, can absorb the energy fairly quickly.
You must be registered for see images
Part of what made me suspect this, was also the fact that his snake powers improved Sasuke's recovery time, which was also a trait of Sage mode, and just prior to that, Sasuke was battling Deidara.
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images
Logically then, the next step is the perfected Sage mode, such as the one Naruto used, without having to be assisted by something such as frog oil.
You must be registered for see images
In contrast, the next step for the Curse mark is the original Sage transformation used by Jugo. Unlike the Curse mark, Jugo has many different transformations and powers that go with them.
You must be registered for see images
I believe the Curse mark was meant to serve as Sasuke's "frog oil"; something to be replaced by the real thing [Sage transformation]. The transformation itself and the loss of control that comes with it however, also appears to mirror the caveats of toad Sage mode, so I do have my doubts that Sasuke will use an actual transformation.
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images

